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Outdoor or Marine Handheld Not Recognized by Computer or Garmin Applications
Many Garmin outdoor or marine handhelds mount as a separate drive on a computer, allowing access to the data on the device, or Garmin applications to see the device.
If a Garmin application is not seeing the device correctly, you will first want to verify that the handheld recognizes the connection with the computer.
NOTE: If not using a Garmin cable, ensure you select a USB cable that is advertised to work as both a charging and data transfer cable. If the cable is only rated for power transfer and charging, Garmin applications will not recognize the connected handheld. Mac computers that only have USB-C or Thunderbolt ports may require an adapter. Apple has a helpful support article that explains different USB types, how to identify them, and what adapters can be used: Identify the ports on your Mac.
Verify the Handheld Recognizes Being Connected to a Computer
Typically, when your handheld is properly connected to a computer the screen will display a USB icon . Some examples of this look like:
If the handheld does not display this or a similar icon, refer to the Items to Check section below.
Items to Check if the Handheld Does Not Recognize Being Connected
Answer Yes on the handheld to any prompt to enter mass storage mode or MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode when plugging into a computer.
Try a different USB cable, if available.
This needs to be a data transfer cable in order to allow communication between the device and computer.
Try a different USB port, if possible.
Ensure you are plugged directly into the computer or laptop and not a USB hub.
Ensure the device interface is set to Garmin Spanner or Garmin Serial. Refer to your owner's manual for assistance in changing the interface on the device.
Restart the computer.
Once the handheld recognizes it has been connected to a computer (see
above
), check that your handheld is mounting as a drive.
Checking That Your Handheld is Mounted as a Drive
NOTE: The eTrex® SE, eTrex Solar, Foretrex® 801, Foretrex 901, GPSMAP® 67, GPSMAP 67i, Montana® 710, Montana 710i, and Montana 760i outdoor devices use MTP mode, which will prevent them from appearing as a separate drive on Mac computers, but they will still be recognized by Garmin Express.
Use the keyboard commands below to confirm if your handheld is connected as a drive.
Windows 8 and newer: Windows () key + E, then select This PC
Windows 7 and older: Windows () key + E
Mac: Shift + Command + C
If your handheld is listed, it has mounted properly. If the handheld is not listed, Garmin applications will not see it and an error message may occur. If using a microSD card, try removing the card from the handheld. If the handheld is still not recognized, it may be necessary to force the handheld to mount as a drive. The steps below cover most handhelds, with the exception of inReach® satellite communicators.
Forcing a Garmin Handheld to Mount as a Drive
If your device has an internal battery or you are using a battery pack, ensure the battery is charged before completing the steps below.
Disconnect the device from computer and ensure it is powered off.
Press and hold the appropriate button for your model:
Touchscreen operated handhelds: Power
Button/thumbstick operated handhelds: UP
Foretrex® devices: Page
eTrex® SE/Solar: OK
Plug the device into the computer.
Wait until the device is recognized by the computer, it may take up to 45 seconds for device to be recognized as a drive.
If prompted, install USB device drivers.
Release Power, UP, Page or OK.
When you are done, be sure to safely eject the device from the computer. To safely eject the device:
Windows: Right-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, then selecting the device. For more details, see - Safely remove hardware in Windows.
Mac: Drag the Garmin device drive on the desktop to the trash.
Once the device has been disconnected, you may need to power it back on.
Garmin Application is Still Not Recognizing the Handheld
If the handheld recognizes being connected to the computer, but a Garmin application is not recognizing the handheld, follow the guidance below based on the application you are using.
Close other applications that might be actively reading the device (e.g. if the Garmin Express program is not seeing your device, but the BaseCamp™ program is, close BaseCamp).
Close other applications that might be actively reading the device (e.g. if the BaseCamp program is not seeing your device, but the Garmin Express program is, close Garmin Express).
Check device compatibility. Compatible devices include the inReach Explorer®, inReach Explorer+, inReach Mini, inReach SE®, inReach SE+, and inReach Original devices (inReach for Android, inReach for PN-60w, inReach for Smartphones).
Close other applications that might be actively reading the device.
. Some examples of this look like:
) key + E, then select This PC